Ulster duo deny wrongdoing over alleged sexual offences

Ulster duo Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have denied any wrongdoing after they were questioned by police in connection with alleged sexual offences.

Jackson, who has been capped 16 times by Ireland, was left out of his country's squad to face New Zealand due to "personal reasons" on Monday.

It was duly reported the 24-year-old fly-half and his Ulster team-mate Olding had been among three men arrested and interviewed in relation to alleged incidents at a property in Belfast in June.

A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed three men had been interviewed and released from custody, and added: "A file will be prepared for submission to the Public Prosecution Service [PPS]."

On Tuesday, Ulster issued a statement, which read: "Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been assisting the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland] with enquiries. The players deny any wrongdoing and have not been charged with any offence.

"As no charges have been brought forward, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Lawyers acting on behalf of Jackson reiterated their client's rejection of any allegations against him and expressed disappointment at information being "leaked to the press".

A statement from KRW Law read: "We act on behalf of Patrick Jackson. He rejects completely any allegations made against him.

"Patrick has co-operated fully with police in their inquiries and we have been liaising with police on his behalf.

"We are both disappointed and indeed concerned that this information has been leaked to the press before the investigation has concluded and well in advance of any final decision. This has the potential to be prejudicial to our client's interests.

"We will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to protect his legal position as he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. We urge the media to restrain from any damaging speculation."